Secretary McCulloch Reminds Montanans to Register & Vote in the November General Election; Will Vote by Absentee Ballot on Tuesday, October 26

HELENA – Election Day is one week away, and Secretary of State Linda McCulloch is reminding Montanans that voting is one of the most important fundamental rights we share as American citizens.

“Our vote is our voice, and it is our civic duty to make informed decisions,” McCulloch said. “Register and vote in the General Election on November 2, and have your voice be heard on Election Day.”

Secretary McCulloch will join the nearly 92,000 Montanans that have already exercised their right to vote by applying for, filling out and returning her absentee ballot at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 26, at the Lewis and Clark County election office.

“I have always voted in person at the polls on Election Day,” McCulloch said. “Voting by absentee ballot allows me to vote at my own convenience and still have the tradition of returning my ballot in person. Absentee voters have many options in how they vote, where they vote, and when they vote.”

Registered voters have until noon on Monday, November 1 to request an absentee ballot. Those who request an absentee ballot or register to vote after noon on November 1, must return to the election office on Election Day to receive an absentee ballot.

All absentee ballots must be returned either by mail or in person, and received at the polling place or at the county election office by 8:00 p.m. on November 2. Those registering to vote during the late registration period must return their ballot to the county election office. (Montana’s absent military and overseas citizen electors have additional methods to return their absentee ballots to ensure they are received by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.)

“Another great thing about voting by absentee ballot is that folks can now track their ballot online,” McCulloch said. “It’s just one more way to ensure our voices are heard on Election Day.”

Registered voters can track the status of their absentee ballot using the Secretary of State’s newly enhanced election tool, My Voter Page. The online service also allows voters to check their voter registration status and find the location of their polling place.

Those who haven’t registered to vote, still have time. Montana’s late registration period runs from October 5 until the close of polls (8:00 p.m.) on Election Day. Check with your county Election Administrator for more information.

“No matter how you choose to vote, your voice can be enough to change the outcome of an election,” McCulloch said. “Register and vote – if you haven’t done so already – and make a difference in your community.”